The Outsiders

Hey there everyone!

Glad that you are back to read another blog of mine. This week I want to talk about The Outsiders. Once again I will be evaluating this book on the aspects of if the book is educational, if the book sends a message, and if the book makes students want to read.

I read this book years ago when I was in high school and enjoyed it then. I found it very interesting to get to go back and read it again as an adult and analyze it on a different level.

This book is about two different types of gangs, The Greasers and The Socs. The Greasers are the poor kids and the Socs are the rich kids. Ponyboy is the main character of the book. He is the youngest and most educated of the group. He meets Cherry who is one of the Socs girlfriends. Cherry and Ponyboy talk and connect on the level of that they don’t feel like they belong in the group they are in. the book also has major themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and staying gold and being the best you can be.

Firstly, I believe that this book is very educational. It tells us about teenagers who are not from the best neighborhood and don’t have a typical or glamorous life. Ponyboy shows us that it is okay to be different. Ponyboy seems different to the rest of his friends and family because he is smart and likes to learn. Another educational aspect of the book is that it shows the harsh realities of what goes on in the gang world between the Greasers and the Socs.

During the time that I read this book I thought that it sent a strong message to youth. The Outsiders sends a message to youth that it is okay to be smart and want to learn. I also believe that it sends a message that family isn’t always a typical picture of a mom and dad with their kids. The book shows that Ponyboy’s family is his brothers and the friends he lives with. I believe that this book is one of those books that discourage any harsh type of gang life. I believe that when students read the emotional parts such as Johnny and Bob’s death, they will not want to get mixed up in any type of gang. This book also sends a deep message about friendship and loyalty. Ponyboy stays by Johnny all the way up until this death. It also enforces the aspect of “staying gold.”

I also believe that this book will make students want to read. Similar to my experience with Funny Boy, I found myself wanting to keep reading. This is one of those books that you connect with and find yourself cheering on certain characters. I personally found myself crushed when Johnny dies. Above all, this book is entertaining. It is fast paced and has something for everyone.

Well that’s all for now. I’ll see you next week.

Best,

Ben

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